What Your Wife Really Wants for Valentine’s Day

A recent study led by Money Talks News has discovered what people really want for Valentine’s Day…and the results might surprise you!

The researchers surveyed over 1500 men and women in all age groups, and they learned that old stand-bys such as candy and flowers actually rank low on a gift wish list. Nor does your partner have Tiffany & Co. on the brain—only 16.9 percent of women desired jewelry for Valentine’s Day.

So what is number one on the wish list? Quality time! The majority of men and women said that they wanted nothing more than a romantic date with their partner for Valentine’s Day.

If you want to have a wonderful holiday, here are some ideas to consider:

Surprise your mate. Most people tend to expect Valentine’s Day to begin in the evening, whether it’s an Italian dinner or a night out dancing. However, you can bring a little novelty and spontaneity into your romance game by surprising your partner with daytime romance. Get up early so that you can have a cozy brunch together, or surprise her by showing up at her office for a leisurely lunch (Not only will you surprise her, but you will also enjoy more intimacy and space since you won’t be packed in with the rest of the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd).

Make the day technology free: Put away the I-pads and the smartphones, and refrain from logging onto your Facebook page. You will have more time and energy to channel to your mate, and it will inspire you to keep this habit throughout the year, such as by maintaining 20 minutes of tech-free time each night when you are together.

10 Things I love about you: Make a list of 10 things that you love about your partner, along with a list of 10 things that they do to make you feel loved. It doesn’t cost a dime but I guarantee it will be one of the most priceless gifts your partner ever receives.

Spend a little time in nature: Even if it’s just a short walk around the block or a jaunt to your favorite neighborhood coffee joint, getting outside gives you energy, fresh air, and a boost of Vitamin D. You can even find your inner kid and hit a snowy hill for sledding—and then snuggle with each other on the living room floor with hot cocoa and plenty of blankets.

Keep Valentine’s Day in your heart all year long. Don’t just wait once a year to celebrate your love and cherish your partner. Make a pact to not only prioritize romance and keep a weekly date night, but also make a pact to keep the sentiment behind Valentine’s Day alive even after those candy hearts have gone stale.

You can do so by choosing forgiveness and open-heartedness when interacting with your mate every day. Instead of zeroing in on everything your partner does “wrong,” look for all the things he does that are right, whether it’s something as small as bringing you coffee in the morning, or something as big as all those combined years of commitment, love, and companionship. When you practice gratitude and always seek the positive in your partner, the effects of your open, loving spirit will ripple throughout your relationship and beyond.

And, if you are single, you can also apply this mindset to your life as well. Do so by letting go of old relationship baggage. Forgive past wrongs and let go of old hurts, and instead move forward with a receptive heart. You won’t be able to discover the love you desire and deserve until you allow yourself the freedom to relinquish the past and look to the future without fear or resentment.

Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a longtime partner, a new love, or with a host of friends, if you channel positive energy and generosity outward, you will repaid tenfold. Here’s to a day of kisses…of both the chocolate and literal variety. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Berman, PhD

Laura Berman, PhD, is a leading sex and relationship educator and therapist, popular TV and radio host, New York Times best-selling author, and assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the...read more